The TWEAK/Fn14/CD163 axis-implications for metabolic disease.

TWEAK (tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis) is a member of the TNF superfamily that controls a multitude of cellular events including proliferation, migration, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and inflammation. TWEAK control of these events is via an expanding list of intracellular signalling pathways which include NF-κB, ERK/MAPK, Notch, EGFR and AP-1. Two receptors have been identified for TWEAK - Fn14, which targets the membrane bound form of TWEAK, and CD163, which scavenges the soluble form of TWEAK.

A20 controls expression of beta-cell regulatory genes and transcription factors.

TNFAIP3 encodes a zinc finger protein called A20, which has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. A20 promotes beta-cell survival and protects against islet graft rejection in experimental models. The current study sought to investigate the mechanisms underlying the protective role of A20 in the pancreatic beta-cell.

A transfer of carbon atoms from fatty acids to sugars and amino acids in yellow lupine (Lupinus luteus L.) seedlings.

The metabolism of 14C-acetate was investigated during the in vitro germination of yellow lupine seeds. Carbon atoms (14C) from the C-2 position of acetate were incorporated mainly into amino acids: aspartate, glutamate, and glutamine and into sugars: glucose, sucrose, and fructose. In contrast to this, 14C from the C-1 position of acetate was released mainly as 14CO2.

Metabolic and ultrastructural responses of lupine embryo axes to sugar starvation.

Embryo axes isolated from germinating lupine seeds were cultivated in vitro for 24-96 h over media containing either 60 mmol/L sucrose or no sucrose. Ultrastructural studies showed that large vacuoles were accumulating in a central region of primary parenchyma cells in sucrose starved lupine embryo axes, whereas cytoplasm along with organelles were forced to a periphery of the cells. We suggest that the autolysis of cytoplasmic proteins contributes to the accumulation of the vacuoles and this suggestion is consistent with the results of the characterisation of protein content.